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Wood canvas canoes succeeded birch bark canoes, were the standard for the first half of the twentieth century and are preferred by outdoor enthusiasts. They have proven to be comfortable, durable, reliable, and versatile. Many paddlers are familiar only with the manufactured plastic composite and metal canoes and are unfamiliar with hand crafted wood canvas canoes. The quiet of the wood canvas canoe is unrivalled for not disturbing birds and animals and for enjoying the environment. The wood interior and traditionally caned seats are comfortable, especially in inclement conditions or prolonged time on the water. The flexible, living wood "works" with currents and waves and like the tree will sway and spring back rather than fighting the elements. The canvas finish incorporates silica and is extremely slippery and tough. People often are surprised at how the wood will flex and the hard, slippery surface will slide off an object rather than catching as do plastic and metal canoes. Additional information is available from The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association. Tom Evans regularly builds 15', 16', and 17' double ended canoes and 18' "Y" stern freighter canoes. These canoes are all designed from decades of paddling experience and excel on lakes and rivers. They have a sharp entry and exit for ease of paddling and good tracking. They have a moderate rocker so that they track well but are easily maneuverable. The amidships is capacious to accommodate a generous load. The fullness above the water line of the bow and quarters gives good floatation in the ends so that they ride over waves rather than to pencil into them. |
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Materials in Evans canoes are:
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Traditional methods are used to handcraft Evans canoes.
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Last Updated: 28 October 2004
Copyright Tom Evans, 2004 - 2004. All rights reserved. |